Biodiversity
Local Habitat and Species Action Plans
The Habitat Action Plans|
Wastelands
Our aims
- To highlight the importance of sensitive treatment of wasteland sites
- To promote and support wasteland nature reserves in the borough
Introduction
- Wastelands also known as brownfield sites are characterised by their wild, unmanaged nature. They typically evolved from redundant sites previously occupied by industry. Barking and Dagenham contains London's largest brownfield site Barking Riverside. This action plan was chosen to highlight the importance of sensitive treatment in this area where development takes place
- The borough also contains wasteland nature reserves. The action plan set out to promote and encourage more usage of these as they are often perceived to be untidy, unpleasant places. However they predominately support a great variety of habitats and species such as goldfinches, linnets, black redstarts and reptiles, and a wide variety of unusual and rare plants
Current status
- Some associated species are protected within current legislation. These are the black redstart and little ringed plover which feature under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981, as amended). In addition, the common lizard and the slow worm are subject to partial protection
- The Ripple Nature Reserve, an ex-industrial site, consists of former fly ash areas colonised by birch, willow woodland and orchids, has been designated as a Metropolitan Site of Importance for Nature Conservation
- Land adjacent to the Scrattons Farm Estate was originally allotments and wasteland but has established as the borough's first Ecopark, recognising its nature conservation value as being designated as a local Site of Importance for Nature Conservation
Specific factors affecting wasteland habitats
- Insensitive development and negative public perception
- Vandalism, and antisocial activity such as motor biking
Current action
- The London Brownfield Forum has been set up to discuss issues concerning wasteland. It is intended that the work of the Forum should be developed to promote understanding of the social and ecological value of these habitats
The Habitat Action Plans|
Contact
Ranger Services
The Millennium Centre
The Chase
Dagenham Road
Rush Green
Romford
RM7 0SS
Tel: 020 8595 4155
Fax: 020 8984 9488
General parks enquiries:
Email: parksandcountryside@lbbd.gov.uk|
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